Khandro Kejang Chöd (Sound of the Dakini’s Laughter) is the commonly practiced chöd from the Longchen Nyingtig cycle of Jigme Lingpa. Cham, or dakini dance, associated with this practice, is done in the tradition from Tibet brought from Tibet by Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche to his students. Cham is done at the beginning of the chöd during the invocation of the Five Dakinis, as a process of taking charge of the place and symbolizing setting up the defining boundaries where the performance of the chöd will take place. Imagine the practitioner going to a remote charnel ground to practice chöd and doing this dance at the beginning to take charge of the place. The Dakinis are invoked from each direction with slightly different dance steps according to each element and with the call of the kangling (thigh bone trumpet). Since Dakinis are traditionally in the dance posture, actually learning a Dakini dance is appropriate.

Cham and chöd are fundamentally parts of the same practice. Therefore, in this retreat, they will be taught and practiced together. Dr. Tenzin Yangdon (Yogini Khersun Wang), a traditionally trained Tibetan doctor born in Tibet and a long term student of Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche, Lama Kungdong Thongdol Dorjee, has offered to teach this at Tara Mandala. Dr. Tenzin will also be available for Sowa Rigpa Health consultations during the retreat.

Who Can Attend?

• This retreat is open to anyone who has received a chöd empowerment and has basic ability and familiarity with the use of the chöd drum, bell and kangling.
• We recommend participants learn the Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Chöd before this one, but it is not a prerequisite. The self-paced online course is available here. 
• Students interested and who have not received a chöd empowerment, please note that Lama Tsultrim Allione will offer the Machig Empowerment at Tara Mandala during Tara Mandala’s 30th Anniversary Weekend Celebration. Registration is available here. 

Registration for this retreat will close on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:00am(MDT)

To prepare for your visit, we invite you to read our information on Tara Mandala’s Health & Safety Protocols for In-Person Retreats.

To prepare for this retreat, you will need:

• A Chöd drum, bell, and kangling, all of which are available through our Dakini store. 
• Optional: To enhance your practice, we’ve curated a special bundle for this retreat with items from our Dakini Store. This is a wonderful way to support Tara Mandala. See the Chöd practice support collection for additional resources that may support your retreat. 
• A copy of the sadhana (practice) text will be provided onsite to retreatants. 

Tara Mandala Pricing Guidelines
As we work to become an equitable, diverse and inclusive community, our pricing guidelines are intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of resources that contribute to our access to precious dharma teachings. While we do ask you to look inward, please know there is no right or wrong answer. We encourage you to select the range/rate appropriate to your circumstances. To learn more about Tara Mandala’s pricing guidelines for Online Programs, In-Person Retreats, and Special Promotions, please visit this page. 

Installment Payment Plan Option at Registration
During registration, students can either pay the program fee in full or select the Installment Payment option. If choosing the installment payment option, students will pay a 50% deposit upon registering and subsequent equal payments will be processed automatically every two-weeks. The final balance is due 14 days before the start of the program.

Deferred Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Tara Mandala offers two types of financial assistance: Deferred Payment Plans and Scholarships. You may apply for one or both of these types of assistance. Read the terms carefully as outlined on the financial aid application. Please see this page for further information.

Offering dana to the teacher: The practice of offering dana, which means “generosity,” is the traditional offering the student makes to the teacher as a symbol of appreciation, gratitude, and reciprocity for receiving the precious teachings. Information on offering dana to the teacher will be provided during the program. To learn more about dana and suggested dana ranges, please click here.

Sustaining Sangha:
If you are currently a member of our Sustaining Sangha, you may apply your Online Program discount to this course. To learn more about Sustaining Sangha membership, benefits, and discounts, click here. 

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